angelfire

Magic Time: Angelfire
$7.99
I just could not get into this book, and I tried a couple of times. The setup is certainly something I would often enjoy, with the coming of a supernatural world overtaking modern technology, which fades. However, this is not a patch on Mark Chadbourn's take on a similar story, for example.

Schwantner: Angelfire; Beyond Autumn; September Canticle; A Sudden Rainbow
$21.98
This is my first acquaintance with a composer I should have come to know long ago. The compositions recorded on "Angelfire" proceed chronologically from earlier to later. I love them all, but confess a special predilection for the horn concerto. "Beyond Autumn" shows off the horn in its incredible emotional range and features powerfully emotive passages for the lower brass throughout. The recording is not flawless, but the soloist is superb and the feeling Schwantner wants to convey comes through outstandingly. This being my first acquaintance with Schwantner's music, I would have to say that he has an uncanny ability to express "nobility" through his compositions. This is the kind of music that makes one feel the human journey, though often fraught with pain, is so meaningful as not to be missed out on. There are lyrical passages in this work as well, and they balance out the stark passages nearer the extremes of the horn's range and volume in a manner that combines to produce a kind of magnificence Christopher Rouse is also capable of achieving, such as in his second symphony. Some passages, especially using the brass and tympani, are reminiscent of David Diamond. Eminently American, eminently rich and moving.
"September Canticle" does true artistic justice to the horrible event it commemorates, the September 11 tragedy. I first heard this piece without knowing what had inspired it. I was so deeply touched by it upon first hearing that I cried. Then I read the liner notes and was stunned. "September Canticle" is a work every American should be acquainted with. It has the potential to mark the landscape of American music as profoundly as Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" has, if in a different manner. This is a magnificent artistic response to one of our nation's pivotal events, and should go down in history as a noble response to the victims of that tragedy and the profound worthiness of the lives they lost. The piece features organ solo and belongs in the strongest tradition of works such as Copland's organ symphony. Even on my poor CD player, the performance achieves soul-stirring emotion. Organ is an instrument that is associated with deeply spiritual experiences in any case, so it is well-suited to the occasion that led to the creation of "September Canticle."
The violin concerto is likewise worth hearing, the opening work as well. I suppose I have a personal predilection for both horn and organ, due to my own musical experiences, but I would state that this CD shows Schwantner's growth as a composer, in a way that reminds me of John Adams' growth. With maturity he expresses deeper emotion, with a greater expressive range, and an increased capacity to touch the listener's heart, mind and soul. Truly Schwantner is a great composer and will surely go down in music history with America's best. It is works like his that make me proud to be an American. Any culture that can give rise to such depths of expression must have something going for it.

Moonfire
$4.99
A wonderful love story taking place in the remote Australian countryside. I couldn't put it down.

Angelfire: A teen novel
$13.95
As a former Juvenile Probation Officer, I was struck by the author's portrayal of both Julie and Rocky. It is easy to cariacaturize kids in the system, their woeful lives, and stereotypical response patterns to the harshness of their lives. I thought the author did a spot-on job drawing each of these, helping her readers to see beyond the labels and appreciate the similarities. The relationship that evolved between Julie and Rocky felt real and heartbreaking. The novel moves at a good, strong pace taking us swiftly to the very dramatic climax. May I just say without saying too much that I LOVE when the girl gets to be her own hero? Truly enjoyed this book and recommend it without reservations.